Three Horror Movies by Women Directors/Writers to Watch this Halloween

After thoroughly enjoying this year’s remake of IT, I wondered how many women contribute great films to the horror and thriller genre. I was amazed to find how many female filmmakers had a hand in today’s most successful horror movies, breaking through the often male-dominated role in filmmaking.

THE BABADOOK (2014) – Jennifer Kent

I watched The Babadook earlier this year and was thoroughly impressed by the film’s production design and direction. It was also very interesting how the monster, in this case, the Babadook represented an inner struggle the main character was experiencing. It also accurately represented the process of grief. To date, the film has won an Empire Award for Best Horror and Kent has won two AACTA awards for her direction and original screenplay. Lead Actress, Essie Davis was also awarded Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for best leading actress. Kent did a wonderful job with this film, taking into consideration the film’s two-million-dollar budget and the under-representation in Australian film.

AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) – Mary Harron

According to Wikipedia, Mary Harron was chosen as director to soften the violence Christian Bale’s character commits against his female victims. However, her talent and success is proven as this film is now considered a classic in horror. Throughout the film, Harron has managed to mix disturbing gore with the dark comedy which has made this film so unique and successful.

GOODNIGHT MOMMY (2014) – Veronika Franz / Severin Fiala

With fellow director, Severin Fiala, Veronika Franz was able to co-write and co-direct this 2014 gothic thriller. Centred around two twin boys with Capgras delusion (a psychiatric disorder in which a person holds a delusion that a friend, spouse, parent, or other close family member – or pet – has been replaced by an identical impostor,) Franz manages to construct a dark atmosphere with the long silences drawing the audience in.

Snuggle in for the evening, light the dark scented candles and prepare for Halloween with the work of these fabulous women in horror.